Inter Milan open contract talks with key defender amid Barcelona threat – report

Inter milan left-back Federico Dimarco was one of the players linked with FC Barcelona towards the end of the summer transfer window.

It was even suggested that the Catalan club held talks with the Nerazzurri over a potential swap involving the Italian defender and Alejandro Balde, although the proposed deal ultimately failed to materialise.

Since then, reports have claimed that the Blaugrana are continuing to maintain an interest in Dimarco, given that he could be available as a free agent next year.

Barcelona’s interest sparks Inter to act

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t SPORT), Inter Milan are now working on an extension that would keep Dimarco under contract until 2030 amidst the links with Barcelona.

The 28-year-old defender is currently tied to Inter until 2027, with an additional option for another year. The player was surprised during the summer that the option was not activated.

Dimarco is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

“I expected the club to call me to speak after what I did last year,” he said on the matter in a recent media interaction.

However, Inter Milan have now made their move. According to the report, new sporting director Dario Baccini met Dimarco’s representative, Arturo Canales, in Madrid before the UEFA Champions League match.

The meeting was intended as an initial discussion but could accelerate negotiations over a new long-term agreement.

The Italian club regard the player as one of the best left-backs in Europe, and as such, will consider improving his salary, which is currently at around €4 million per year.

Dimarco remains an attractive option for Barça

Meanwhile, Barcelona are monitoring the situation closely. The Blaugrana currently have only one natural left-back in Alejandro Balde, who has fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick.

Inter Milan open renewal talks for Dimarco. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

That makes Dimarco particularly appealing to the Catalan club. The Italian international combines technical quality with experience and has reached an important stage of his career.

For now, Barcelona have found solutions within their existing squad. Xavi Espart has adapted brilliantly to playing on the left despite being naturally right-footed, while Joao Cancelo provides another option.

Both have performed well in the role, but sporting director Deco has not abandoned the idea of signing a specialist left-back.

There is also still time for Balde to respond and regain his place in Flick’s plans.

For the moment, Barcelona will have to wait and see how Inter Milan’s negotiations with Dimarco develop while relying on Flick’s current solutions.